Resources
Older Students
We have expanded! If you would like private music instruction for older children and adults, we now have teachers in a wide variety of instruments and voice. For more information, please see Florence Music Academy!
Books on Childhood and Education
Would you like to find out more about how children learn music? Here are some fantastic books which have either heavily influenced the Musikgarten curriculum, or are very complimentary to the Musikgarten philosophy. You can click on the book to immediately purchase if you would like!
Carson, Rachel. The Sense of Wonder
One of Musikgarten’s core principles is the unique relationship between children and the natural world. Rachel Carson discusses how to tap into your child’s natural sense of wonder in the outdoors by taking them to “wild” places. This is a beautiful book.
Musikgarten is very atuned to the huge amount of research being done on how children learn. This very accessible, yet insightful book explores how babies recognize and understand their fellow humans, interpret sensory input, absorb language, learn and devise theories, and take part in building their own brains.
Louv, Richard. Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Louv’s book discusses the effects of our society’s tendency to keep children indoors. He makes the argument that many of the woes today’s parents face, including Attention-Deficit, can be traced back to a lack of unstructured, outdoor play time.
E.M. Standing. Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work
Montessori’s philosophy is foundational to the Musikgarten program. This book clearly summarizes the philosophy behind Montessori’s ideas, and where she got them. It is a terrific read for anyone considering a Montessori education for their children.
Books on Music and Movement
Ed Gordon is one of the pre-eminent music education researchers of our time. This book condenses his ideas and simplifies them for a more general audience (although a non-musician may still find it difficult to follow). All of the rhythm and tonal echo patterns we do in class, however, come from this philosophy.
Madaule, Paul. When Listening Comes Alive
This is an astounding book which discusses some of the new things researchers are discovering about how the ear works. It discusses how training one’s ear can help students struggling with dyslexia, stuttering, hyperactivity, and much more.
For more books or articles, contact me! I have lots of recommendations!
Other Early Childhood Music Programs
I feel very strongly that children should have the opportunity for early music experiences. If you can’t take classes with me, try one of these programs. Feel free to check out their websites, below. I am very confident in the quality and value of my classes, so I welcome you to shop around and find the class that fits your family the best! If you find a program I’ve missed, let me know, and I will add it to the list.
Other Musikgarten Programs
Amanda O’Bannon, Clifton — Miss Amanda’s Musikgarten
Mary Rekers – Wyoming Center for the Arts
Kindermusik Programs
Music Together
